Adult ADHD and Comorbid Disorders
Many people with ADHD also suffer from comorbid conditions like major depressive disorder (Kessler and colleagues, 2006). Many patients are not responsive to depression medications and may benefit from psychotherapy.
The most effective medications to treat the most fundamental symptoms of ADHD appear to increase and regulate levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine are frequently prescribed.
Medicines
Adults can use many medications that are used for ADHD in children. The dosages and effects can be different. The doctor will take a look at the medical history, family health history, and other health conditions of the patient to determine which medicine is the best for them.
The most common type of ADHD medication is stimulant. It works by adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants like methylphenidate and dextro-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall) increase the amount of these neurotransmitters, which aid in improving focus and reducing aggression and impulsivity. These stimulants are available in various forms, such as liquids, skin patches and chewable tablets. Long-acting versions of these stimulants are more effective because they provide better patient compliance and longer lasting, smoother improvement of symptoms.
It is important to remember that co-existing conditions like anxiety and depression may alter the effectiveness of ADHD medication. Therefore, it is recommended that these psychiatric problems be treated first, with medication used as secondary measure. Medications that are used to treat comorbid mood disorders include atomoxetine and bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants (Wilens 2004).).
Some patients may exhibit a "rebound" effect, where they experience an increase in ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication. In these cases, a short-term trial of the use of a low dose stimulant medication could be helpful.
Some people are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to take them due to abuse of drugs or other health issues, such as severe heart problems or hypertension. In these instances, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and viloxazine are effective. These medications don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, and they are less likely to be abused or misused.
Psychotherapy
People with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy). It can help people with ADHD to improve their lives, manage anxiety and stress, resolve conflicts, or manage problems in their relationships or at work. It can also aid in the treatment of people with mental disorders that coexist, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Talk therapies include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mind-body cognitive therapy and schema therapy. adult treatment for adhd are based upon the notion that beliefs and thoughts can influence how a person is feeling, thinks and behaves. CBT helps an individual identify negative thoughts and behaviors and then formulate and implement strategies to change these. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy employs meditation techniques to teach people how to focus on their thoughts and emotions, manage their impulses and improve their executive functioning. Schema therapy and other forms of psychotherapy focused on a person's history with their family can be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from significant secondary problems.
Psychotherapy, in addition to medication, can assist with specific ADHD issues, such as difficulty completing schoolwork or getting along with others. It can also help with forgetting important dates and responsibilities and making impulsive choices that could lead to legal and financial issues. It can help a person overcome issues of the underlying nature, such as anxiety and depression that could be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can assist a person develop healthy coping strategies and reduce stress, such as exercising, improving sleep and healthy eating habits. It can also provide assistance to an individual in the family or with a spouse who is struggling with the effects ADHD affects their relationship. Marriage and family therapy can help families and couples communicate better and understand how to manage ADHD symptoms together.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping clients to change their negative patterns of thinking. It utilizes skill-based dialogue with an experienced mental health professional (a therapist) to address the underlying causes of their symptoms. This treatment is designed to help patients overcome difficulties and develop coping skills that are compatible with their daily routines.
Therapists who specialize in adult ADHD-CBT instruct clients how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and help them learn to replace them with more productive thoughts. This process can be lengthy. However, it is a viable option for adults who are not getting adequate relief from their medication.
In a recent RCT that was conducted, it was discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone when it comes to improving core symptoms, emotional symptom, self-esteem, and social functioning in adults suffering from ADHD (Clarke and colleagues. 2017). The combination of CBT and methylphenidate is particularly effective for those who have more severe underlying issues.
Therapists who provide this type of treatment work with clients to develop an action plan to address their specific issues. They teach them a set of practical skills which are easy to master and have a good chance of success. Charts are often used to track progress and to reward positive behavior. This could include a daily report for children that details the tasks they are required to complete at school, or the positive behavior that must be exhibited, and a system of recording and earning rewards. The therapists could consider creating negative consequences if children fail to complete their tasks. This can be done with sensitivity and support.
Metacognitive Therapy
Metacognitive therapy is a newer kind of psychotherapy that helps people change their thinking. This type of treatment is effective for those suffering from a range of mental health issues which include depression. It's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that assists people recognize their negative thoughts and how they impact their emotions. This type of therapy may assist them in acquiring psychological tools that are able and useful.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metacognitive capabilities and daily functioning in adults with ADHD. To accomplish this we compared self- and informant-rated daily functioning impairments with the predictors of metacognition (comprehensive Knowledge, Regulation of Cognition, Debugging, Information Management and Evaluation). It was discovered that comprehensive knowledge was connected to daily functioning in adults with ADHD however, the regulatory processes were not. The predictors of metacognition had a moderate predictive power, which suggests they could be the cause of significant variance in daily functioning of adults with ADHD.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapy which focuses on changing metacognitive beliefs that cause states of worry, rumination and attention fixation. MCT was developed by Adrian Wells based on an information processing model created by Wells and Gerald Matthews. One case series has demonstrated the effectiveness of MCT in managing illness anxiety, but it's still a relatively new concept and more research is required to determine its effectiveness for other disorders.
This study was created to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT in the reduction of symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, but it can be applied to a variety of disorders and may even be more effective than other therapies. This isn't a cure, but it could be employed to treat ADHD.
Family Therapy
In family therapy the therapist works with the whole family. This helps all family members learn about the client's issues and learn how to support their loved one more effectively. It also assists them in finding ways to manage their own feelings of frustration and develop healthier communication skills. Additionally, this kind of therapy is helpful in addressing comorbid conditions such as depression and alcohol abuse, which are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD.
The therapist will start with an intake session to get a clearer understanding of the family's view of the issue and determine their potential for intervention by the family. It can be done online or in person. The therapist will discuss the nature of the treatment with each person and spell out the rules and guidelines of family therapy.
A therapist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD will ask a variety of questions in order to gain insight into the client's current symptoms, their past and their impact on their work life, family life and relationships. They will also ask if any other mental problems are present, for example depression or anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an organized form of counseling that teaches you how to change your negative thoughts patterns and control your behavior. It focuses on boosting self-esteem and self control by educating you on how to cope with stress and anger. It is a short-term treatment option that can be paired with other types of psychotherapy.
Individual therapy can help people suffering from ADHD deal with emotional burdens resulting from long-standing patterns of failure, underachievement academic issues frequent job changes, and conflict in relationships. It can help you learn stress reduction and coping techniques, and how to better manage your time and finances. It can be used to treat other comorbid conditions like anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with ADHD.